Adrian Peterson set to sign 2-year, $7M deal with New Orleans Saints

Free-agent running back Adrian Peterson affirmed to ESPN on Tuesday a 2-year, $7 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.

The 32-year-old player's decision to join the Saints roster comes after the Minnesota Vikings opted not to pick up their $18 million option on him. Peterson also visited with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots before landing on the Saints.

"I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints," Peterson told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit. Additionally, my wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings.

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates with fans after he runs for a 61-yard touchdown during the second half of their NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis, November 11, 2012. Minnesota won 34-24. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

Suspended Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson exits following his hearing against the NFL over his punishment for child abuse, in New York, New York, U.S. December 2, 2014. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 6: Adrian Peterson shakes hands after the game on November 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 27: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings gets interviewed after the game against the New York Giants on December 27, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the sidelines during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) heads to the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto) (Photo by NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 16: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the football against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 16, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Sep 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Adrian Peterson (28) takes the field prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: New Orleans Saints running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks with Vikings players after a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. The Vikings defeated the Saints 29-19.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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According to Spotrac.com, Peterson's average salary of $3.5 million puts him 22nd among NFL running backs this year.

"It goes without saying that the Saints have an amazing fan base," Peterson added in his comments to Anderson. "And I look forward to making them proud and creating everlasting memories."

If Peterson starts the 2017 season in a Saints jersey, he will have the immediate opportunity to play his former team. The Vikings are set to host the Saints in Week 1.